If you’re curious about Qigong, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’ve never heard of it before, or you’ve dipped your toe in and want to explore more, this guide is designed to help you get started with ease and confidence.

I teach Qigong classes and retreats in the beautiful Surrey Hills, within easy reach of Guildford, Godalming, and surrounding villages.

Many people come to my classes feeling stressed, stiff, tired, or just a bit out of balance.  Some are stuck and not feeling themselves. But all leave feeling lighter, calmer and more connected. Relaxed, restored, reviltalisted.  And you can too.

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is a gentle yet powerful practice that combines slow flowing movement, breath, and mindful awareness.

It’s rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine – the grandmother of Tai Chi – and it’s been used for thousands of years to support health, vitality and inner peace.

The word Qi means life energy, and Gong means skill – so Qigong is about cultivating your life energy through regular practice.

1. Start with an open mind

Come to Qigong with curiosity and patience.

This isn’t something you have to “get right” immediately. It’s something you grow into. The benefits unfold and reveal themselves with time – physically, mentally, emotionally, and energetically.

2. Begin slowly and consistently

A short 10-minute session each day is a great place to start. And you’ll notice the difference immediately.  It’s better to practice little often than to wait for the perfect moment.

Qigong rewards consistency – it gently builds energy and resilience over time.

3. Focus on the foundations

Start by learning a few simple postures, breathing techniques, and movements.

There’s no need to memorise routines or worry about “doing it wrong.”

One of my teachers once said: “Good. Better. Best. It’s good that you’re here. Better comes with time. And only you know what’s best for your body.”

4. Listen to your body

Qigong should never feel painful or pushy. Always let me know if you have any health concerns so that we can adjust things to suit your body.

Move gently. Move mindfully. And never overdo it.

5. Embrace imperfect action

You don’t have to wait until you feel ready, flexible, or calm.

The beauty of Qigong is that it meets you exactly where you are. Trust the process – over time, the practice does the work.

6. Join a class for beginners

While Qigong can be done solo, learning with a qualified and experienced teacher like me will help you to build good habits and feel supported from the start.

I offer weekly Qigong classes in Surrey within easy reach of Godalming and Guildford and beginners are very welcome.

I will also be running an online mini course and beginner sessions especially for those who’re new to Qigong.

You’ll find all the details on my classes page and don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter for all the latest tips, insights and ‘recipes for living’.

7. Explore, experiment and enjoy

There are many styles of Qigong – some soft and meditative, others slightly more dynamic and energising.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from a wide range of brilliant teachers, and I love sharing the practices that truly light me up – and that resonate with my students.

Even outside of your practice time, you can bring Qigong principles into your everyday life.

• A mindful breath while waiting for the kettle to boil
• A gentle shoulder roll between Zoom calls
• A moment of stillness before bed

These small acts of awareness all add up.

Qigong is more than just movement – it’s a way of being.

Qigong is a beautiful, life-affirming practice that helps us reconnect to the rhythms of nature, the wisdom of the body, and the stillness within.

If you’d like to start your own journey, I’d love to welcome you to a class soon – check out the classes page and I hope to see you soon.